Happy Birthday Magazine!

Little Goose; Magazine – today marks the day that you entered our crazy life. You made a smooth entry into the world (although I’m not sure my vagina would agree), and filled us with a false sense of security as you breezed through your first few days without so much as a whimper. You quickly made it known that you are very much a Mummy’s girl; living almost your entire first three months of life, in the space between my boobs. Sleep was/is officially a thing of the past.
You’ve always had eyes for your big sister; and how could you not, when she shows you so much love on the daily? (So long as don’t knock over her block tower.) The way you two communicate in high pitched shrieks, is music to my ears… Just kidding – it’s painful. How is it even humanly possible to reach that octave?!

Painful, but sweet. (I think I just summed up parenthood.)

You have the fiery Dutch temper (nothing to do with me.. ha!), and you were smashing out tantrums by six months old. It’s been an eye opener – your big sis didn’t throw a tantrum until she was three, and even then, she’s never been one to throw herself on the ground and scream.

And here we are at one: if you don’t get your own way, you lay down on the floor and carry on like a pork chop. It’s actually somewhat amusing (but I’m sure that won’t last, so don’t get any ideas).

I’m amazed at how different you and your sister are. You’ve taken everything I thought I knew about parenthood, and turned it upside down (shaken it up; shat on it; and spat it on the new carpet).

But you have also taught me so much. You have taught me to go with my instincts; to do what feels right. You’ve taught me to take things one day at a time – one sleepless night at a time. I am mentally stronger than I had once thought; and I am more resilient that I ever imagined I could be.

More than anything though – since meeting you, I have realised how often I used to silently, internally judge other parents; based on the behaviour of their children. I am ashamed to admit how often I would assume that a child’s ‘poor’ behaviour was a direct result of parenting. But your fiery temper and intense emotions in comparison to your placid, rule abiding sister (at the same age – this threenager/almost fournado business is a whole new ball game); have made it clear to me that a child’s temperament is in-built before they leave the workshop – that there is no such thing as ‘factory standard’. Two girls, with the same parents and upbringing; and yet (in some ways) are like chalk and cheese. I am enternally grateful that you are our second child, as I have been able to accept that we aren’t doing something wrong; that this is just you. You are simply a different person to your sister, and we need to adjust our parenting to suit.

And I am pleased to announce that I am now officially, a ‘judgement free zone.’ When I witness a shopping centre meltdown these days, I feel an overwhelming urge to back the frazzled parent – united we stand – and all that jazz. I’m basically the Dalai Lama’s twin sister (once or twice removed).

Baby girl, as we celebrate your first year Earth side; I could not be more in love with your cheeky sense of humour; your daredevil antics; your fire cracker personality; and your endless affection. You’ve robbed us of our sleep (and a little more of our sanity); but what you’ve given us in turn; our little family of four – is far more than we could ever have dreamed.